Passaris Boosts Nairobi Youth Skills Training With KSh 2.7 Million NGAAF Investment

By Emmanuel Kipkoech

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering young people, women and persons with disabilities through vocational training after visiting 58 students sponsored by the Nairobi National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

The students are undertaking various technical and vocational courses at the National Industrial Training Authority and the NITA Textile Training Institute, where NGAAF Nairobi has invested KSh 2.7 million to cover tuition fees and trade test examinations.

During the visit, Passaris said skills-based education remains a powerful pathway for tackling unemployment, creating self-reliance and opening opportunities for entrepreneurship among Nairobi residents.

The beneficiaries are pursuing practical courses in textiles, tailoring, beauty therapy, hospitality, automotive technology, electrical installation and other market-driven trades.

Passaris said the training institutions offer an inclusive opportunity for learners from different academic backgrounds, noting that commitment and willingness to learn are key to succeeding in technical training.

“At NITA and NTTI, your willingness to learn is more important than your academic background. Skills create opportunity, dignity and self-reliance,” she said.

The Woman Representative was hosted by NITA Director General Dr Rukia Atikiya, NITA Nairobi Centre Manager Fidelis Odumo, NTTI Centre Manager Dr Moses Kamunge and NITA Nairobi Deputy Centre Manager Lucy Wambugu.

During her engagement with the trainees, Passaris also identified challenges affecting day scholars, including the high cost of training tools, transport and affordable meals.

She pledged to follow up on the concerns to ensure that the students complete their training successfully and transition into employment or self-employment.

Passaris praised NITA and NTTI leadership for their role in equipping Kenyans with industry-relevant skills, saying partnerships between government institutions and affirmative action programmes are essential in building an empowered and productive population.

The NGAAF Nairobi sponsorship programme is expected to support more young people and vulnerable groups in accessing technical skills that can help them earn a living and contribute to the country’s economic growth.